2016 Innovator of the Year Competition

Students compete for $25,000 and the chance to see their F&I product in the market

EFG Companies, the innovator behind the award-winning Hyundai Assurance program, together with Northwood University, today announced the student competitors and F&I mentors participating in the second annual F&I Innovator of the Year competition. Vying for $25,000 in prize money, this year’s 18 contestants hail from Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. For more information on the competition, visit http://bit.ly/Inn0v8te

The credit-based competition pits six teams of Northwood’s automotive students to conceptualize and build a new F&I product. Each team is mentored by an F&I director, and the competing teams develop a business case for their new F&I product that incorporates industry research, market viability, and the product’s potential to facilitate F&I product sales in franchise dealerships. The teams will also keep weekly, YouTube video diaries of their progress, challenges and breakthroughs.

“The mentors’ industry experience is invaluable in guiding the competitors on the real-world challenges facing dealerships today,” said John Pappanastos, president and CEO of EFG Companies. “From changing consumer purchasing behaviors, to increased FTC and CFPB compliance oversight, and a call for enhanced transparency, these mentors will impart a wealth of knowledge that spurs innovation among the students.”

The teams and mentors include:

Winning team to be awarded $25,000 – innovative F&I product launched into marketplace

EFG Companies, the innovator behind the award-winning Hyundai Assurance program, together with Northwood University, today announced the launch of their second annual F&I Innovator of the Year Competition. Held during the fall semester each year, this competition leverages the out-of-the box thinking of today’s Gen Z college students, coupled with F&I industry leaders’ insight, to boost the F&I industry’s focus on innovation. Visit http://bit.ly/Inn0v8te to learn more about the contest, last year’s winners and the upcoming launch of the winning 2015 product.

“The automotive industry is going through a period of extensive change,” said John Pappanastos, President and CEO of EFG Companies. “Consumer expectations and buying habits have shifted towards a more value-conscious and long-term mindset. The Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are continuing to focus on transparent auto lending practices. Manufacturers are undergoing a shift with the rise of electric vehicles, connected cars and ride sharing services. Each of these aspects of a dealership’s operations is in a mutually effective relationship with F&I. As new, young talent has brought significant advancements to other areas of the auto industry, it makes sense for the F&I industry to avail itself with new ideas from fresh minds, as well.”